Getting care and support as an adult
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If you are aged 18 or over and unable to perform some of your day-to-day tasks as a result of age, illness, disability, your mental health or any significant change in your life, you may be eligible for care and support. Carers may also be entitled to support.
This guide is for people who have care and support needs, their Carers, and individuals who are planning their future care needs.
There is a variety of support available to help you remain independent as long as possible. This support may come from:
- friends or family,
- local voluntary organisations
- Adult Social Care
You will need to be assessed to find out if you can get for support from the council's Adult Social Care service. If you are eligible for support, you will also have a financial assessment. They will work out how much you need to pay towards the cost of your care.
If you care for someone you may be able to get help from the council. You will need to complete a Carer's assessment to find out what help you can get.
Support in your community might help you stay independent and delay the need for more care in the future.
The Care Act 2014 says care and support can include:
- accommodation in a care home or other setting
- care and support at home or in the community
- counselling and other types of social work
- goods and facilities
- information, advice and advocacy
This includes different types of social care, which are explained on the following pages.